Holiday in Schwerin

About Schwerin

Schwerin, the state capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is with around 100,000 inhabitants the smallest German state capital — and at the same time one of the most picturesque. The city of seven lakes is dominated by Schwerin Castle, a fairy-tale castle that sits on an island in Lake Schwerin and is often referred to as the Neuschwanstein of the North. Schwerin Castle is an architectural jewel: remodeled in the style of the French Loire castles in the 19th century, it combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Historicism. Today it houses the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern — one of the most beautiful parliamentary buildings in the world. The magnificent interiors with the throne room, the gallery of ancestors, and the castle church can be visited. The castle garden extends south of the castle with baroque garden art, an orangery, and a view over the lake. The castle garden on the opposite side offers a romantic grotto and winding paths. The old town of Schwerin is compact and charming: The cathedral from the 14th century with its 117-meter-high tower (the highest church tower in East Germany) offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake landscape after 220 steps. The marketplace with its pastel-colored gabled houses and the state theater rounds off the picture of a city that feels like a journey through time. Schwerin is surrounded by lakes: Lake Schwerin is the fourth largest lake in Germany with 63 square kilometers and offers sailing, swimming, fishing, and boat tours.